Last month, I finally went to Houston, Texas with my parents to visit with my cousins Jan and Greg, as well as all their family and friends. Being in that Texas atmosphere reminded me of the two years me and my family stayed in San Antonio.
During our visit, Jan and Greg treated us to a rodeo. Before seeing the grand show, I bought myself a black cowboy hat and truly felt like I belonged on a ranch in the wilderness wearing it, blue jeans, and my denim jacket. At first I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy the rodeo, but I ended up thoroughly invested in wondering who was going to come out on top. It is remarkable the poundings these cowboys and cowgirls take when riding and man handing horses and bulls. The way these animals go into frenzy it’s a wonder the riders don’t end up with whiplash or aching backs.
The final morning in Houston we all enjoyed brunch at a lovely country club near Jan and Greg’s home. As we all ate a delicious spread from the buffet , we had a high school student playing piano. The most interesting thing about that club was the locker room. When I think of locker rooms I think of a place reeking of sweat, body oder and……never mind. But this locker was more than tidy. It had green carpet, portraits, statues, trophies; benches, a television, and a bar.
My first day in Houston my parents and I had breakfast with Jan. And I think I was truly meant to visit when I did because she gave me some excellent advice pertaining to life plans. I explained to her how difficult it is to apply for jobs because of how employers wants people with experiences. Like how are you supposed to gain experience if people aren’t willing to give you a chance? The trick to getting the experience she explained, is volunteering, showing people what you can do so you can get a foot in the door.
Heeding Jan’s advice, the week I was back home in Clarkville, I approached Ryan, the head of the Tennova Healthcare newsletter. I asked him if he needed an extra writer for the publication. I was worried he would say no, but Ryan said that he could always use another writer and another pair of eyes in editing. Even though I will not be getting paid there is nothing wrong with gaining experience for my resume. This will be a golden opportunity to get better in looking over work. As many of you have noticed I sometimes have a habit of repeating myself or leaving out words in my writing. It’s amazing how even when we as writers think our work is error free, that there is always a few mistakes in grammar, punctuation, or whatever that seems to be playing hide and seek with our eyes. “Catch me if you can!” say the errors. These employers want someone with experience, then I’m going to get it. I don’t know when I’m going to start, but I’m truly looking forward to showing the hospital the skills God has blessed me with.
This year I have really been looking for methods to keep myself from worrying so much. This new Essential Oil Diffuser I bought seems to be doing the trick. A couple weeks ago, as I was letting the tangy aroma fill up my noise, watching the fumes shoot out of the diffuser like a volcano, an idea came to me for a fiction piece. The diffuser itself actual plays a central role in this tale I’m writing. Whether it’s going to be a novel or a short story I’m not yet sure. I’m just glad that I at least have something to write about. Writer’s block is no fun. I really want this year to be the year that I finally publish something, so please pray that I can keep writing
This Saturday afternoon, AY(Adventist Youth) miniseries will be starting back up with myself and fellow church members Caleb Evans, David Sael and Lulu Alba as its committee. Each of us has given and agreed upon ideas we can do for upcoming programs. It’s been fun preparing for this upcoming one. As I sketched, measured, and colored on this poster board we’re using for our first program I thought about all the times I saw my mother do stuff like this for this ministry, Sabbath school, or social committees. Watching her up late cutting away with scissors, drawing and writing on poster boards, making flashcards, going over instructions for games, etc. You are definitely your mother’s son,” I said.
As I brainstorm about what to do I also think about the sweet memories of growing up in the church, participating in these AY programs an hour before sunset on Saturdays. Laughing and smiling as we the church played spiritual activities. Listening and nodding our heads as a devotional message was read to us. Praying for one another. I miss that!
Although all four of us individually and as a group are a little nervous about doing something outside our comfort zones, it helps that none of us will be doing this alone. Cliched as it may sound, we got each other and God as our head. I pray that by doing this ministry, myself and everyone can gain biblical knowledge as well as develop a closer relationship with Christ.
Thanks for reading!
DavidSpeaks 